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Bucs, Schiano Kick Off Offseason Workouts

By Tom Krasniqi

It’s hard to believe we’re talking football already. Bucs head coach Greg Schiano is happy about it. The team began their offseason workouts Monday at One Buc Place.

“It’s good to be back. It’s good to have the players in the building again”, says Schiano. The 2nd year Bucs head coach says Monday kicked off “Phase 1” of offseason workouts, which are voluntary (ahem) and nearly everyone showed up to One Buc Place. The only excused absence was CB Eric Wright, whose wife gave birth to a baby girl over the weekend.

Schiano was asked how he thought the offseason was going so far. “I’m pleased, we’re going in the right direction. It’s one step at a time, and sometimes you don’t get everything you want. It doesn’t always unfold the way you want but I’m pleased in the direction we’re headed”.

Schiano says the team was “selective and precise” in free agency, which resulted in just one big signing (FS Dashon Goldson). Perhaps the coach wanted more and didn’t get everyone on board: “You make the decision and then you don’t get what you decided to get. When you’re not the only guy in the process….but again, I’m pleased with where we’re going and we need to move in that direction”. Hmmm, interesting comment indeed.

Other Schiano quotes of note:

On the Darrelle Revis trade rumors: “If we can get better and we have an opportunity to get better, we’re gonna do it.” He didn’t mention Revis by name because that would constitute tampering. Bucs still appear to be very interested.

Schiano says no new developments on whether Ronde Barber will retire or not. Coach says there is not deadline right now for Ronde to make up his mind.

Bringing back CB Eric Wright raised a few eyebrows. But Schiano says Wright is “a starting cornerback caliber talent”. He’s all but penciled in as one of the starting corners. Question is: who’s starting opposite Wright? Might be that Revis guy.

Some are questioning the talent along the defensive line but Schiano is confident in the group. The return of DE Adrian Clayborn helps and Schiano says they’re developing younger players to contribute. Translation: Da’Quan Bowers needs to step up.

Schiano reiterated his stance on open competition at every position, including quarterback. He says he’s open to the idea of adding another QB, possibly in the draft. He says Josh Freeman “looks good, he looks like he’s in great shape”.